Tacoma, Washington, has emerged as a craft beer destination, offering a diverse array of breweries and taprooms for beer enthusiasts to explore. The city’s brewing scene combines rich history with innovative flavors, reflecting Tacoma’s industrial heritage and modern creativity. From established favorites like E9 Brewing and 7 Seas to newer entrants like Sig Brewing Company, Tacoma boasts over a dozen craft breweries, each with its own unique character and specialty brews.
Visitors and locals alike can embark on a flavorful journey through Tacoma’s beer landscape, sampling everything from hoppy IPAs to tangy sours and smooth stouts. Many breweries offer food options alongside their craft beers, making them ideal spots for a casual meal or evening out. The city’s breweries are spread across different neighborhoods, providing opportunities to explore Tacoma while indulging in its beer culture.
Tacoma’s craft beer scene continues to evolve, with new breweries opening and established ones experimenting with seasonal offerings and limited-edition brews. This guide will help beer lovers navigate the best craft beer spots in Tacoma, ensuring a memorable tasting experience in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
History of Tacoma’s Craft Beer Scene
Tacoma’s craft beer scene has deep roots, evolving from humble beginnings to a thriving industry. The city’s brewing legacy spans over a century, with periods of growth, challenges, and remarkable innovation.
Pioneers of Brewing in Tacoma
Tacoma’s brewing history dates back to the early 20th century. Pacific Brewing and Malting, Northwest Brewing, and Columbia Brewing were among the original breweries that laid the foundation for the city’s beer culture. These establishments produced popular local brews and helped establish Tacoma as a beer-making hub in the Pacific Northwest.
In 1995, E9 Brewing Co. became Tacoma’s first modern craft brewery. Founded by two ambitious newspaper reporters, E9 set up shop in a historic horse-drawn firehouse. This pioneering move sparked a renewed interest in locally-crafted beers and set the stage for Tacoma’s craft beer renaissance.
Growth and Evolution
The early 2000s marked a turning point for Tacoma’s craft beer scene. While the city initially lagged behind other Pacific Northwest locales in craft beer culture, a group of passionate beer enthusiasts sought to change that. Their efforts led to the emergence of new breweries and a growing appreciation for artisanal beers among Tacoma residents.
As interest grew, the City of Tacoma created a dedicated Brewery District in downtown, fostering a concentrated area for beer production and tasting. This move attracted more brewers and beer-focused businesses to the area. Talented brewers like Shane Johns at E9 Brewing Co. pushed the boundaries of beer-making, earning recognition for Tacoma’s unique brews.
Today, Tacoma boasts a diverse array of craft breweries, each contributing to the city’s reputation as a beer lover’s destination. From family-friendly spots to waterfront locations, Tacoma’s breweries offer experiences that cater to various preferences, solidifying the city’s place in the Pacific Northwest’s craft beer landscape.
Notable Tacoma Breweries
Tacoma boasts a thriving craft beer scene with several standout breweries. These establishments offer unique flavors, innovative brewing techniques, and inviting taproom experiences for beer enthusiasts.
7 Seas Brewing
7 Seas Brewing has made a name for itself in the Tacoma beer community. Founded in 2009, this brewery has grown to become one of the largest in Pierce County. Their spacious taproom in downtown Tacoma features a rotating selection of craft beers.
Popular offerings include the Rude Parrot IPA and the 253 Pilsner, a nod to Tacoma’s area code. 7 Seas is also known for its commitment to sustainability, using aluminum cans instead of glass bottles to reduce their environmental impact.
The brewery hosts regular events, including trivia nights and live music performances. Their taproom provides a family-friendly atmosphere, complete with board games and a small food menu.
E9 Brewing Co
E9 Brewing Co holds the distinction of being Tacoma’s first craft brewery. Established in 1995, it has become a local institution. The brewery operates out of two locations: the original E9 Firehouse and a newer taproom in the historic Brewery District.
E9 is renowned for its diverse beer lineup, ranging from traditional styles to experimental brews. Their Tacoma Brew, a crisp lager, pays homage to the city’s brewing history.
The brewery’s commitment to quality has earned it numerous awards over the years. E9’s taproom offers a cozy, laid-back atmosphere where patrons can enjoy fresh pints and wood-fired pizzas.
Narrows Brewing Company
Narrows Brewing Company offers a unique brewing experience with its waterfront location overlooking the Tacoma Narrows. Founded in 2013, this brewery has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
The brewery’s taproom features large windows that provide stunning views of the Narrows Bridge and Puget Sound. This scenic setting complements their lineup of craft beers, which includes the popular Giant Pacific Octopus IPA and Siren’s Call Amber Ale.
Narrows Brewing Company also offers a rotating selection of seasonal and experimental brews. Their spacious outdoor patio is a perfect spot for enjoying a beer on sunny days.
Odd Otter Brewing Company
Odd Otter Brewing Company brings a quirky charm to Tacoma’s craft beer scene. Located in the heart of downtown, this brewery is known for its creative approach to beer-making and playful branding.
Their beer names often feature otter-themed puns, such as the Ottermelon Hefeweizen and the Momma Otter’s Pancake Porter. The brewery’s taproom showcases local art and hosts regular events, including trivia nights and live music.
Odd Otter takes pride in its community involvement, frequently collaborating with local businesses and organizations. Their small-batch brewing system allows for frequent rotation of unique and experimental beers.
Dystopian State Brewing Company
Dystopian State Brewing Company offers a bold and innovative approach to craft beer. Founded in 2016, this brewery has quickly gained a following for its unique flavor combinations and eye-catching can designs.
Their taproom features an industrial aesthetic, reflecting the brewery’s name and branding. Dystopian State is known for pushing boundaries with beers like their Coconut Cacao Stout and Hazy Maze IPA.
The brewery regularly hosts food trucks, providing patrons with diverse dining options to pair with their beers. Dystopian State also offers a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring there’s something for everyone in their taproom.
Guide to Tacoma’s Beer Styles
Tacoma’s craft beer scene offers a diverse array of styles to suit every palate. From hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts, crisp lagers, and unique seasonal offerings, the city’s breweries showcase their creativity and skill across a wide spectrum of beer styles.
Washington IPAs
Tacoma’s breweries excel at crafting bold, hop-centric IPAs that showcase the region’s prized hop varieties. These beers often feature bright citrus and pine notes, balanced by a solid malt backbone. Many local brewers experiment with hazy, New England-style IPAs, offering juicy fruit flavors and a softer mouthfeel.
E9 Brewing, known for its innovative approach, produces several popular IPA variants. Their rotating tap list frequently includes single-hop IPAs, allowing beer enthusiasts to explore distinct hop characteristics.
Rich Stouts
Tacoma’s stouts range from classic dry versions to decadent imperial offerings. These dark, full-bodied beers often incorporate local ingredients like coffee from Tacoma roasters or chocolate from regional producers.
Some breweries age their stouts in bourbon barrels, adding complexity and depth. These barrel-aged variants are particularly sought-after during the colder months.
Seasonal releases may include creative twists like coconut stouts or spiced versions for winter.
Crisp Lagers
While ales dominate the craft scene, Tacoma’s brewers also produce excellent lagers. These clean, crisp beers showcase the brewers’ technical skills and attention to detail.
Pilsners, Helles, and Vienna lagers are common styles found in local taprooms. These beers offer a refreshing alternative to hoppier options, especially during warmer months.
Some breweries experiment with dry-hopping techniques to create flavorful IPLs (India Pale Lagers), bridging the gap between traditional lagers and hop-forward ales.
Seasonal Beers and Farmhouse Ales
Tacoma’s breweries embrace the changing seasons with specialty releases. Spring often brings fruit-infused ales, while summer features light, refreshing wheat beers and sours.
Fall sees the arrival of fresh hop beers, made with just-harvested local hops. Winter brings warming strong ales and spiced offerings.
E9 Brewing stands out for its farmhouse ales, crafted using traditional Belgian and French techniques. These complex, often barrel-aged beers showcase wild yeasts and bacteria, resulting in unique flavor profiles that change with each batch.
Many local breweries participate in collaboration brews, creating limited-edition beers that highlight the community’s creative spirit.
Tacoma’s Taprooms and Pubs
Tacoma boasts a vibrant craft beer scene with several standout taprooms and pubs. These establishments offer unique atmospheres, extensive beer selections, and local flavors that showcase the city’s brewing culture.
Parkway Tavern
Parkway Tavern, established in 1935, is a Tacoma institution. This historic pub features 34 rotating taps, focusing on Pacific Northwest craft beers. The cozy, wood-paneled interior creates a welcoming atmosphere for beer enthusiasts.
Parkway Tavern hosts regular events, including tap takeovers and meet-the-brewer nights. Their knowledgeable staff can guide patrons through the diverse beer selection.
The pub offers a small food menu with classic bar snacks. Outdoor seating is available during warmer months, making it a popular spot for summer gatherings.
Pint Defiance
Pint Defiance combines a bottle shop with a taproom, offering over 650 bottled and canned beers alongside 10 rotating taps. This hybrid concept allows customers to enjoy a pint on-site or take home their favorite brews.
The taproom features a cozy seating area and a knowledgeable staff passionate about craft beer. Pint Defiance regularly hosts tasting events and beer releases.
A small selection of local snacks complements the beer offerings. The shop’s extensive bottle selection makes it a go-to destination for beer collectors and enthusiasts seeking rare or hard-to-find brews.
The Swiss
The Swiss, located in a historic 1913 building, offers a unique blend of pub atmosphere and live music venue. With 31 taps featuring local and regional craft beers, The Swiss caters to diverse tastes.
The pub’s menu includes hearty pub fare, with popular items like burgers and sandwiches. The spacious interior features pool tables and dartboards, providing entertainment options beyond beer drinking.
Live music performances, ranging from local acts to touring bands, take place several nights a week. The Swiss’s central location in downtown Tacoma makes it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Engine House No. 9
Engine House No. 9, often called E9, occupies a former fire station built in 1907. This brewpub produces its own beers on-site and offers guest taps from other local breweries.
E9’s brewing program focuses on Belgian-inspired ales and barrel-aged sours. The pub features 16 taps, including their house-brewed beers and rotating guest selections.
The menu offers a range of pub favorites with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. The historic building’s architecture, including the original fire pole, adds character to the dining experience.
E9 hosts regular events, including beer release parties and pairing dinners. Its combination of house-brewed beers and historic setting makes it a unique destination in Tacoma’s beer scene.
Local Brewing Experiences
Tacoma’s craft beer scene offers diverse experiences for enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the city’s brewing culture through guided tours and outdoor events that showcase local flavors.
Brewery Tours
Several Tacoma breweries offer behind-the-scenes tours. Sig Brewing Company welcomes guests to observe their brewing process and learn about their popular Key Lime and Candy Apple Tart Ale. Tours often include tastings of flagship and seasonal beers.
Black Fleet Brewing provides educational tours highlighting their unique cherry blossom-infused wheat ale. Visitors gain insights into ingredient selection and brewing techniques.
Some tours incorporate food pairings, allowing guests to sample dishes that complement specific beer styles. This enhances the tasting experience and demonstrates the versatility of craft beer in culinary applications.
Outdoor Seating and Events
Many Tacoma breweries feature outdoor seating areas, perfect for enjoying craft beers in the open air. Pint Defiance offers a spacious patio where visitors can sample from their 16 rotating taps of local and rare brews.
Seasonal events celebrate Tacoma’s beer culture. Summer festivals often showcase multiple local breweries, allowing attendees to compare styles and flavors side-by-side.
Some breweries host regular outdoor activities. Odd Otter Brewing Company organizes karaoke nights, creating a fun and social atmosphere for beer enthusiasts. These events foster a sense of community among craft beer lovers in Tacoma.
Finding Tacoma Craft Beer
Tacoma offers numerous options for craft beer enthusiasts to discover and enjoy local brews. Dedicated bottle shops and specialty markets provide extensive selections, while many local establishments feature Tacoma-made beers on tap.
Bottle Shops and Retailers
Tacoma Boys Specialty Market stands out as a premier destination for craft beer in the city. With over 281 craft breweries in Washington state, Tacoma Boys curates an impressive selection of local and regional offerings. Beer aficionados and curious newcomers alike can explore a wide range of styles and flavors.
Edison City Ale House, while primarily a bar, also functions as a bottle shop. Patrons can purchase bottles and cans to enjoy at home. Their knowledgeable staff can provide recommendations based on individual preferences.
Several other bottle shops in Tacoma specialize in craft beer, offering rotating selections and hard-to-find releases from local breweries.
Local Distribution
Many Tacoma bars and restaurants proudly serve locally-brewed craft beers. Doyle’s Public House, known for its extensive beer list, regularly features Tacoma-made brews on tap.
Local breweries like E9 Brewing, 7 Seas, Narrows, and Odd Otter distribute their beers to various establishments throughout the city. This widespread availability makes it easy for beer enthusiasts to sample Tacoma’s craft offerings at numerous locations.
Some breweries offer growler fills, allowing customers to take fresh draft beer home. Additionally, many local grocery stores stock a selection of Tacoma-brewed beers in their craft beer sections.
Tacoma and Pierce County Beer Festivals
Tacoma and Pierce County celebrate their thriving craft beer scene with several annual festivals. These events showcase local breweries and offer beer enthusiasts a chance to sample a wide variety of brews.
Tacoma Beer Week stands out as a prominent event in the local beer calendar. Held annually in August, this 10-day festival features numerous events across the city. Visitors can enjoy cornhole competitions, Connect 4 tournaments, and special beer tastings at participating breweries and taprooms.
Another notable festival is Brew Five Three, now in its 11th year. This outdoor summer beer and music festival takes place at the scenic Chambers Creek Regional Park. It combines craft beer tastings with live music performances, creating a lively atmosphere for attendees.
These festivals not only highlight Tacoma’s craft beer offerings but also foster a sense of community among beer lovers. They provide opportunities for both established and up-and-coming breweries to showcase their latest creations.
Visitors to these events can expect to find a diverse range of beer styles, from traditional ales and lagers to innovative and experimental brews. Many festivals also feature food vendors, offering local cuisine to complement the beer selections.
