Seattle, Washington is a craft beer lover’s and foodies paradise, so why not combine the two? We decided to do just that and had so much fun we just had to share it with our fellow fans of brews and bites. We have created a delicious Seattle Beer Tasting Tour which includes suggestions for beer and food pairings as well as tips on taking in some of the sights along the way.

This self-guided Seattle Brewery Tour is very walkable which means you can leave the car at home and hop on public transit to downtown Seattle or better yet get a hotel room for the night and make it a fun overnight or weekend getaway. Of course, if you must come by car and drive home afterward please make sure you have a designated driver.

We suggest this Seattle Beer Tasting Tour be done in the afternoon/early evening and that you should allow at least 3 hours for the tasting and an additional 2-3 hours to take in the sights along the way.

Seattle Beer Tasting Tour

Tasting Stop #1: Cloudburst Brewing

In January, 2016, former Elysian brewer, Steve Luke, opened the doors to the much anticipated Cloudburst Brewing. The tasting room is simple and humble but the fun and delicious brews are anything but boring. It seems that as much time is taken when naming the beers as is on the exceptional brewing itself. At the time of writing, you could try brews such as Dumpster Fire (Smoked Oatmeal Stout), Soft Shock (IPA with Polaris, Citra, Amarillo, Mosaic, El Dorado, Melon & Ella) and Happy Little Clouds (Bastardized German Pilsner).

Note: No food is served at Cloudburst but you’re welcome to bring your own if you can’t wait for the next stop on our tasting tour

Tasting Stop #2: Pike Place Chowder House

When you leave Cloudburst turn left on Western Ave which will take you in the direction of Pike Place Market. Turn left on Virginia street and right onto Post Alley and go a couple of blocks until you reach the Pike Place Chowder House. They will usually be serving at least eight different delicious chowders in four sizes plus a sourdough bread bowl. If you can’t decide do as we do and go with the sampler. The smoked salmon and the Market chowder are our personal faves.

Note: If chowder isn’t your thing there are plenty of other eateries on the route or just continue on to the next tasting stop.

Sights Along the Way

• Browse the well-stocked Pike and Western Wine Shop
• Take a peek in the sexy Pink Door known for their Burlesque and trapeze shows
• The famous Post Alley starts here with unique shops and restaurants

Tasting Stop #3: Old Stove Brewing

One street up from Pike Place Chowder on 1^st Ave is Old Stove Brewing. The decor creates a rustic, old world charm with a fabulous 25 ft mural, community seating and of course an old Kalamazoo stove. They will have their own brews on tap plus some additional guests and they offer a great assortment of appies and gourmet sandwiches. We suggest you try the Beecher’s and Mt Townsend Cheese Plate with the Old Stove Pilsner or the French Dip with Provolone cheese and spicy relish paired with the Galaxy Smash Pale Ale.

Tasting Stop #4: Pike Place Brewing

Just down the road on the other side of the market is The Pike. Having started in 1989, Pike Place Brewing is no newbie to the craft brewing scene and their experience and dedication shows. This family run brewery and pub makes ‘local and sustainable’ a priority by sourcing many of the ingredients for both beer and food from suppliers in the Pacific Northwest who feel the same way.

The space is large and colorful and fun for all ages. Take a pub and brewery tour if you have the time or grab a table and get ready for a great taste sensation. The food and beer menu is large and varied so you may have a hard time choosing but they do have suggested beer pairings to make it easier. How about a Dungeness Crab & Artichoke Dip with a mug of Pike Naughty Nellie Organic Golden Ale? Or maybe Pike’s Pulled Pork sandwich with a smoky Pike Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale?

Sights Along the Way

• Walk through the Pike Place Market between stops 3 & 4 and marvel at the locally made crafts and abundance of delicious, fresh food. Be sure to stop and watch the famous fish throwers!
• Post Alley continues with the colorful and somewhat disturbing gum wall

 

 

 

 

Tasting Stop # 4: Copperworks Distilling Company

Once you’ve had your fill of Pike Place head down the steps on Union Street and then left on Alaskan Way for a block to Copperworks Distilling. This craft distillery and tasting room creates premium spirits using traditional Scottish copper stills custom built for them. We highly recommend a 4 spirit tasting flight of some of their top-notch gin, vodka, and whiskey and if you can time it right they offer a really good 1-hour tour led by the distiller.

Note: Tours do require an advance reservation.

Sights Along the Way

The final tasting stop of Copperworks leaves you at the waterfront with plenty more to see, eat and drink.

• Browse the strange and bizarre at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop
• Take a spin on the Seattle Waterfront Carousel
• Ride the Seattle Great Wheel for awesome city and harbor views
• Have dinner at the famous Crab Pot
• Shoot back an oyster beer shot at the pier

Where to Stay for Seattle Beer Tasting

There are plenty of fabulous Seattle hotels within close proximity to this tasting tour but here are a couple of our favorites.

Inn at the Market

The lovely Inn at the Market is located at Pike Place Market itself so it makes a great accommodation choice for our Seattle Brewery Tour. The rooms have stylish contemporary and comfortable decor and offer stunning views of the city, market, and waterfront.

Hotel Andra

The luxury boutique Hotel Andra is in the heart of the action but offers a charming, quiet respite at the end of the day. The calming, residential, Scandinavian design of the common areas and rooms will make you feel right at home and miles away from the hustle and bustle just outside the doors.

Note: If you want more choices, including budget options, we suggest using Hotels Combined. This site lets you browse all of the accommodations nearby and finds the best prices as they show many of the top booking sites all in one place.

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