Tacoma, WA Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Trail Map to South Sound Brews
Tacoma, Washington is a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest that has quietly cultivated a rich craft beer scene. With an array of breweries dotting the city, beer enthusiasts can explore a variety of styles that reflect the creativity and passion of local brewers. These establishments not only provide a plethora of unique and high-quality craft beers but also contribute to Tacoma's vibrant community atmosphere.
The local craft beer landscape in Tacoma offers something for everyone, from casual drinkers to discerning connoisseurs. The city's brewers take pride in their craft, producing everything from bold IPAs to smooth stouts and experimental brews that push the boundaries of traditional beer-making. On any given day, residents and visitors alike can discover new flavors and experiences at one of Tacoma's many top-rated breweries, whether they prefer a cozy taproom setting or a more lively bar atmosphere.
Drawing on the spirit of the Pacific Northwest, Tacoma's craft beer spots often pair their offerings with unique food menus, entertainment options, and inviting ambiances. This dedication to a comprehensive experience is part of what makes Tacoma's breweries stand out. They are not just places to grab a drink; they're central to the city's social fabric, where community members gather, and new friendships are forged over the shared appreciation of well-crafted beer.
The Craft Beer Scene in Tacoma
Tacoma's craft beer landscape is a vibrant mix of history, local passion, and a diverse selection of brews. Visitors and residents alike enjoy an array of breweries that have established Tacoma as a Pacific Northwest beer destination.
History of Craft Brewing in Tacoma
The foundation of Tacoma's craft beer scene is built on the rich history of brewing that dates back to the early 20th century. Entrepreneurial brewers laid the groundwork for a strong beer culture that has evolved over decades. Today's breweries in Tacoma continue to honor this legacy by blending traditional brewing techniques with innovative approaches to flavor and fermentation.
Major Breweries in Tacoma
Several key players dominate the craft beer market in Tacoma:
Odin Brewing Company: Known for its inviting private space and consistent taproom hours, including weekends.
Narrows Brewing: Offers a variety of beers with a solid Untappd rating, open seven days a week and featuring late hours on weekends.
Peaks and Pints: Not only a craft beer bar but also a bottle shop, Peaks and Pints serves as an essential hub for beer lovers with its extensive operational hours.
Operational Hours Table:
Brewery Mon-Thu Fri-Sat Sun
Odin Brewing 11am - 9pm 11am - 10pm 10am - 9pm
Narrows Brewing 12pm - 9pm 12pm - 11pm 12pm - 6pm
Peaks and Pints 11am - 11pm 11am to Midnight 11am - 11pm
Craft Beer Variety in Tacoma
Tacoma's craft beer offerings are as diverse as its audience, capturing the creativity of local brewers. Tacomanians can enjoy everything from robust IPAs to smooth stouts at various breweries and bars. Parkway Tavern and Peaks and Pints are just a couple of examples where the spectrum of craft beer options caters to different preferences, ensuring that every beer enthusiast finds something to appreciate.
Beer Types in Tacoma's Breweries:
IPAs
Stouts
Ales
Lagers
Seasonal Specialties
Tacoma's craft beer scene is continually thriving as it embraces its historical roots while forging a path forward with new tastes and experiences.
Tacoma Breweries and Taprooms
Tacoma, Washington offers a diverse landscape of breweries and taprooms, each boasting unique flavors and atmospheres. This guide features a selection of establishments that stand out for their craft beers and inviting taprooms.
Odd Otter Brewing Co
Odd Otter Brewing Co presents an eclectic mix of beers on tap in a vibrant and quirky setting. The taproom is wheelchair accessible and open for visitors looking to enjoy a pint in a lively environment. They do not typically offer food, but their location allows for an array of local dining options.
E9 Brewing Co
E9 Brewing Co is known for its artisanal beers and historically rich taproom. With spacious seating, the brewery provides cans and bottles alongside their taps. They often have a food truck on-site, ensuring that visitors can snack while they sip.
Narrows Brewing
Set upon the scenic waterfront, Narrows Brewing offers a spectacular view to accompany their finely crafted beers. Their taproom, open seven days a week, invites guests to enjoy a range of beers with a laid-back vibe. While they do not serve food, nearby eateries provide ample dining options.
Black Fleet Brewing
Black Fleet Brewing taps into the nautical spirit of Tacoma with their seafaring-themed taproom. Operating hours extend into the late evenings, especially on weekends, and although they're closed on Mondays, the rest of the week is ample time to explore their offerings. Food is available to complement their brews.
7 Seas Brewing
7 Seas Brewing is a testament to sustainability and innovation within the Tacoma craft beer scene. They offer a broad selection of beer in cans and on tap, and their taproom is known for being welcoming and spacious. The brewery is also wheelchair accessible, enhancing its inclusive atmosphere.
Wet Coast Brewing
Wet Coast Brewing may have a smaller footprint, but their beers leave a lasting impact. The taproom provides a cozy, intimate space for beer enthusiasts and offers a rotation of local food options.
SIG Brewing Company
The SIG Brewing Company is a newer addition to the Tacoma brewing community. While still making a name for itself, the brewery features a modern taproom aesthetic and focuses on the quality of their small-batch beers. Visitors can check their website for the latest on tap and operating hours.
Pacific Brewing & Malting Co
Pacific Brewing & Malting Co revives the rich brewing tradition of Tacoma with their selection of year-round and seasonal beers. The taproom not only provides a historical nod to the city's past but also a place to enjoy food and beer amidst the brewing equipment.
Dystopian State Brewing Co
Craft beer aficionados will find a broad variety of styles at Dystopian State Brewing Co. Open on all days except Monday, the taproom serves as a canvas for a dystopian-themed experience, complete with a range of beer options and periodic food services.
Wingman Brewers
Wingman Brewers offers crafted beer that plays into the camaraderie of the Air Force. The taproom is typically open Thursday through Sunday, with their website providing updated hours. Small snacks are available, but the central focus is on the quality and creativity of their brews.
Harmon Brewing Co
The Harmon Brewing Co takes pride in their handcrafted ales and a welcoming, family-friendly taproom. They complement their beer selection with a full-service restaurant, delivering both great brews and tasty meals to their guests. The website offers further details on their offerings and accessibility.
Craft Beer Styles and Offerings
Tacoma, WA boasts a diverse array of craft beer styles, with local breweries offering a range of flagship beers, seasonal specialties, and limited releases. Patrons can explore everything from robust IPAs and smooth stouts to refreshing ciders and select wines, ensuring a palate pleaser for every type of enthusiast.
Flagship Beers
Tacoma's breweries take pride in their flagship beers, which anchor their brand and offer a consistent taste experience for visitors. One can find stouts such as the Sneak Thief Milk Stout, known for its chocolate malt flavor and the presence of lactose, alongside cream ales like the Wet Coast Cream Ale that offer a more subdued hoppiness compared to the traditional IPA.
Seasonal Specialties
Tacoma's craft brewers excel in creating seasonal specialties that celebrate the unique flavors and ingredients of the Pacific Northwest. These offerings vary throughout the year, ranging from light and fruity summer ales to spiced and warming winter lagers. Seasonal ciders also make an appearance, often using local apples to produce a crisp, refreshing beverage.
Limited Releases
For those seeking something truly unique, Tacoma's breweries occasionally offer limited releases. These small-batch brews might include experimental IPAs, special editions of well-loved stouts, and collaborations with other breweries. Availability is often restricted to the taproom or selected events, making each limited release an exciting treasure hunt for craft beer aficionados.
Dining and Pairing Experience
Tacoma's craft beer scene offers a rich experience for both aficionados and newcomers, notably through a combination of local brews and paired cuisine. Options range from casual snacks to full-on gastropub dining, allowing for a tailored beer pairing experience.
Food Trucks and Menus
Tacoma's breweries often collaborate with local food trucks providing a rotating menu of eats that complement the breweries' craft beer offerings. Food menu options can vary from day to day, but patrons can typically find a mix of:
Snacks: Often including pretzels, nuts, and popcorn, creating simple pairings that showcase the beers.
Sandwiches & Appetizers: Engage your palate with a variety of artisan sandwiches or appetizers like loaded nachos or sliders.
Salads: For a lighter option, crisp salads offer a fresh counterpoint to richer beer flavors.
Visitors can keep an eye on their favorite breweries' social media pages for information on which food trucks will be present and the menus they will offer.
Brewpubs and Gastropubs
Tacoma boasts brewpubs and gastropubs where the craft beer and food are both focal points of the experience. Establishments may feature:
Extensive Menus: Gastropubs tend to have more extensive menus, including a range of appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
Handcrafted Pizzas: Woodfired pizzas are a popular choice, with the smoky flavors harmonizing beautifully with a local ale or stout.
Pairing Suggestions: Some menus offer pairing suggestions, guiding patrons to the perfect beer for their meal choice.
The brewpubs in Tacoma are places where one can find a satisfying meal to enjoy alongside a craft beer, with the knowledge that both have been curated to enhance the overall dining and drinking experience.
Events and Community
Tacoma's vibrant craft beer scene is enhanced by a variety of events and community gatherings that celebrate the local brewing talent. From engaging brewery tours to lively trivia nights, these events foster a sense of camaraderie among beer enthusiasts and promote the city’s unique beer offerings.
Brewery Tours
Brewery tours in Tacoma offer an intimate look at the brewing process, with opportunities to sample a wide range of beers. Narrows Brewing is open throughout the week, providing tours that showcase their brewing techniques and allow visitors to taste their well-rated beers, like those scoring a 3.72 on Untappd. Tours are not just educational; they give visitors a chance to engage with the craft beer community and learn about the beers directly from the source.
Trivia Nights
For those looking to combine their love of craft beer with a fun, competitive activity, many Tacoma breweries and bars host trivia nights. These events not only test participants' knowledge on a range of topics but also create an enjoyable environment where attendees can revel in the local beer culture. Establishments such as Peaks and Pints and the Parkway Tavern have been highlighted as excellent venues for craft beer and could potentially be spots to engage in such trivia events, providing both challenging questions and a wide selection of brews to enjoy while participants ponder their answers.
Purchasing and Merchandise
When exploring Tacoma's local craft beer scene, enthusiasts have excellent options for purchasing their favorite brews. Whether it's a rare find or a well-loved staple, Tacoma's bottle shops provide a diverse assortment of craft beers. Additionally, merchandise from local breweries allows fans to showcase their support for Tacoma's brewing culture.
Bottle Shops
Tacoma's bottle shops are a craft beer connoisseur's delight, with a curated selection that caters to a variety of tastes. Liquor & Liquor is noted for its vast selection, from single malt Scotches to an array of craft beers. For a more interactive experience, The Living Taproom offers craft beers on tap in a cozy setting. Peaks and Pints combines a taproom, bottle shop, and eatery, perfect for sampling and then purchasing your preferred beers to take home.
Merchandise
For those looking to take a piece of Tacoma's craft beer scene home with them, local brewery merchandise is available. From branded apparel to glassware, merchandise often reflects the unique personality and style of each brewery. This allows patrons to display their affinity for Tacoma's craft beers and support the local brewing community. Merchandise can typically be purchased directly at the breweries or, in some cases, at the bottle shops themselves.
Plan Your Brewery Visit
When exploring Tacoma's local craft beer scene, it's essential to consider transportation options, understand the operating hours of each brewery, and be aware of the accessibility and amenities provided.
Transportation and Access
In Tacoma, Washington, visitors will find that most breweries are conveniently located and accessible via various modes of transportation. It's recommended for individuals to use public transit, ridesharing services, or personal vehicles with designated drivers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Many breweries, including Narrows Brewing Company, are situated in areas that are connected by Tacoma's public transportation network.
Public Transit: Tacoma's local buses and light rail options.
Ridesharing: Services like Uber and Lyft operate in Tacoma.
Driving: Ample parking spaces are often available, but always check in advance.
Accessibility is also a critical factor, with most breweries offering wheelchair-accessible entrances and facilities to accommodate all guests.
Operating Hours
The operating hours of Tacoma breweries can vary, but many typically open in the afternoon and close late in the evening, especially on weekends. It is advisable for visitors to check the hours ahead of their visit since they may change seasonally or for special events. For instance:
Brewery Operating Hours (Mon-Thurs) Operating Hours (Fri-Sat) Operating Hours (Sun)
Narrows Brewing 12 PM - 9 PM 12 PM - 11 PM 12 PM - 6 PM
Black Fleet Brewing Closed 12 PM - 11 PM 12 PM - 9 PM
Facilities
The facilities at Tacoma's breweries cater to diverse preferences, with some providing specialty items, such as barrel-aged beers, and all offering a selection of their unique craft beers.
Narrows Brewing: Specializes in IPAs, stouts, porters, and blonde ales.
Odd Otter Brewing: Known for their varying beer styles and vibrant atmosphere.
It is essential to note that food options may not be available at all breweries, and visitors are encouraged to enquire ahead or look for nearby dining options to pair with their craft beer experience.
Additional Resources
For enthusiasts looking to further explore Tacoma's craft beer offerings, the following resources can be invaluable:
Websites:
The Beer Travel Guide: An extensive source for brewery listings and ratings, helping visitors plan their beer journeys. (Source: Search Results)
Van Life Wanderer: Offers select beer recommendations and brewery highlights for those looking to experience Tacoma's beer scene. (Source: Search Results)
Visit Tacoma: The official tourism site for Tacoma and Pierce County, which includes information on local breweries among other attractions.
Local Craft Beer Apps:
Untappd: A social app for beer lovers that includes local brewery information and user reviews. Users can find Tacoma breweries like Narrows Brewing with a simple search.
Social Media:
Facebook & Instagram: Many Tacoma breweries maintain active social media profiles where they post about new beer releases, events, and other brewery news.
Brewery Contact Information Notes
Odin Brewing 203 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402. Offers private events and has a social media presence for updates. (Source: Search Results)
(253)301-3636
Narrows Brewing Check Untappd for current ratings and hours. Closed on Mondays. (Source: Search Results)
Black Fleet Brewing Follow on Untappd for hours and community reviews. Closed on Mondays. (Source: Search Results)
Readers are encouraged to check the websites or reach out via social media for the most current information regarding brewery hours, events, and beer releases. Always remember to enjoy Tacoma's local craft beers responsibly.
Regional Craft Beer Perspectives
Tacoma's craft beer scene is an emerging tapestry in the wider fabric of Washington's brewing culture, which includes prolific cities like Seattle and Spokane.
Comparison with Seattle and Spokane Breweries
Tacoma craft breweries have a distinct, regional character shaped by its Puget Sound location. While Seattle breweries may attract national attention, Tacoma's establishments offer an intimate setting, often with a focus on local ingredients and maritime culture. For instance, 7 Seas Brewing’s 253 Pilsner is a nod to the local area code.
Spokane's beer scene is characterized by its community-focused breweries and alehouses. This contrasts with Tacoma's brewers, who capitalize on their port city identity and proximity to the Sound.
The following table illustrates some unique attributes of Tacoma's breweries in relation to Seattle and Spokane:
Attribute Tacoma Seattle Spokane
Focus Maritime culture, local stories Innovative, diverse styles Community-centric, traditional American brews
Scale Smaller, more intimate Larger, nationally recognized Mid-size, neighborhood-oriented
Ingredients Local hops, Puget Sound influences Wide variety, sometimes exotic Locally sourced, with a focus on tradition
Signature Styles Cream ales, milk stouts, pilsners IPAs, experimental brews Classic ales, stouts
Breweries in Tacoma carve out their relevance through their dedication to representing the local culture and spirit, which often leads to a tighter-knit community than Seattle's expansive scene. Meanwhile, their focus on storytelling through their brews presents a contrast to the Spokane approach, which tends to lean on familiarity and tradition.
Supporting Local Businesses
Tacoma, Washington, has cultivated a vibrant craft beer scene where supporting local breweries is both a pleasure and a contribution to the community’s economic vitality. Patrons of these establishments not only enjoy high-quality, unique brews but also help sustain the local economy and jobs.
Local Breweries to Explore:
Narrows Brewing: With an average rating of 3.72 on Untappd, this brewery has a dedicated following. It is noted for its scenic views and selection of beers.
Black Fleet Brewing: Also highly rated on Untappd, Black Fleet is known for its bold flavors and maritime-themed atmosphere.
Odd Otter Brewing Company: Located in Downtown Tacoma, Odd Otter is recognized for its quirky charm and array of innovative beers.
Hours of Operation:
Brewery Mon Tue Wed-Thu Fri-Sat Sun
Narrows Brewing 12-9 - 12-9 12-11 12-6
Black Fleet Brewing - 2:30-10 2:30-10 12-11 12-9
Odd Otter Brewing Co. - - 3-9 3-10 12-9
When residents buy from these local businesses, they are doing more than just purchasing a beverage; they are contributing to the preservation of Tacoma's rich brewing heritage and ensuring the city remains a destination for craft beer enthusiasts. Each brewery also has a distinctive vibe, enticing visitors to return and try new taps. Furthermore, these establishments often source their ingredients locally, thereby supporting Washington's agricultural sector.
Tacoma Craft Beer Reviews and Ratings
The thriving craft beer scene in Tacoma is reflected through a wealth of reviews and ratings available online, with experts highlighting the taste and quality of local brews, and customers sharing their personal experiences and favorite picks.
Expert Opinions
Peaks and Pints: Experts note that its selection is diverse, catering to a wide range of tastes.
Parkway Tavern: Noted for combining the charm of a local watering hole with an impressive craft beer lineup.
Customer Testimonials
7 Seas Brewing: Patrons appreciate the original flavors and friendly atmosphere.
The Living Taproom: Customers regularly mention the laid-back setting and quality of craft beers on tap.
Note: Always check current reviews and ratings for the most recent opinions and testimonials.
Sustainability and Craft Brewing
Sustainability initiatives are increasingly central to the operations of craft breweries in Tacoma, WA. These breweries are adopting practices to minimize environmental impact while producing quality craft beer.
Energy Efficiency: Breweries are implementing energy-saving measures, such as LED lighting and high-efficiency boilers, to reduce electricity and gas usage.
Water Conservation: Water is a key ingredient in beer and its conservation is crucial. Local breweries often install innovative systems to treat and reuse wastewater, significantly decreasing freshwater demand.
Sourcing Locally: Many Tacoma craft breweries prioritize sourcing ingredients from local producers. This not only supports the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Packaging and Distribution: Craft breweries are mindful of their packaging choices. Some, like 7 Seas Brewing, were pioneers in using cans, which are lighter and more recyclable than bottles.
Waste Reduction: Spent grain, a by-product of brewing, typically finds a second life as livestock feed or compost, diverting waste from landfills.
Sustainable Practice Benefits for Breweries
Energy Efficiency Cost saving & Reduced carbon footprint
Water Conservation Protection of local water resources
Sourcing Locally Supports local farmers and reduces transport emissions
Smart Packaging More recyclable, less waste
Waste Reduction Waste repurposing and reduced disposal costs
Craft brewers in Tacoma are dedicated to producing exceptional beers while stewarding environmental resources responsibly. These sustainability efforts reflect a commitment to the community and the planet.
