Raise a glass to the captivating world of Tacoma’s breweries, where craft and creativity converge to bring the area’s best brewers to your table. With its rich brewing heritage, Tacoma is home to an array of exceptional breweries that are more than just places to sip crafted libations – they’re cultural hubs fostering connection, innovation, and a shared passion for excellent beer and cider.
From cozy taprooms nestled in historical buildings to expansive spaces made for events, each Tacoma brewery has a distinct character. A journey through Tacoma’s beer and cider scene will transport you from the early days of the city to the latest advances, exploring flavors, stories, and the vibrant spirit of Grit City.
Whether you’re seeking a hoppy delight, tangy cider, or sweet malt, the brews at these 14 best breweries in Tacoma offer a world of flavors to discover.
Northwest Brewing Company
Formerly known as Pint and Pie, this Tacoma brewery changed its name to reflect what it does best – brew craft beer. From crisp IPAs to refreshing fruit-infused wheat beers, the rotating menu includes flagship beers, ciders, and rotating specials.
Alongside a carefully crafted drink menu, Northwest Brewing Company also offers a tasty food menu that includes flatbreads, small bites, and savory pot pies. Those with a sweet tooth will also enjoy their tasty assortment of pies, such as the Chocolate Stout Mousse and the classic Seattle Spice Apple Pie.
Events like National Drink Beer Day and National Taco Day offer a fun excuse to celebrate at Northwest Brewing Company, though any day is a good day to try one of their tasty brews. Reservations can be made for private parties, and dog-friendly outdoor seating is available. The taproom opens at 3 pm Monday through Thursday and at noon Friday through Sunday.
Ram Restaurant and Brewery
Ram Restaurant and Brewery along Ruston Way is both a craft brewery and a family-friendly restaurant with lots of options for everyone. Although they have several locations throughout Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, Tacoma is lucky enough to enjoy all that this chain has to offer at a waterfront location with spectacular views of Commencement Bay.
The menu at Ram Restaurant and Brewery includes a wide selection of burgers, soups, salads, and pizzas, as well as main dishes with various steak, seafood, and poultry options. Beers of every style can be ordered to pair, and growlers can be filled to enjoy later.
Perfect for lunch and dinner, this Tacoma brewery opens daily at 11 am. They also have a great Happy Hour every Monday through Friday, discounting their signature Ram beers as well as select cocktails, wines, and bites.
Dystopian State Brewing Co.
Dystopian State Brewing Co. in Tacoma’s Theater District has turned a century-old setting into a lively and inviting space. Brightly lit and overlooking the Puget Sound, this Tacoma brewery and event space is perfect for meeting friends or hosting your next celebration.
The cozy yet spacious venue is set in a 1928 Moorish-style historical building that was once an automobile dealership for Wagner Motors. Vintage Edison bulbs provide lighting and decoration, while the brick walls, wood details, and game tables make the space feel like home.
The brewmasters at Dystopian State Brewing Co. use only natural ingredients to make their beer, though the rotating menu continuously shows off their variety and craft. A portion of all proceeds also goes to nonprofits fostering diversity and inclusion, making each beer even more delicious.
Although there’s no food menu at this Tacoma brewery, guests are welcome to bring their own food. The space is family-friendly and pups are even welcome inside every Thursday. Doors open at 5 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and at noon on Saturdays and Sundays.
Camp Colvos Brewing – Tacoma
Camp Colvos is a Washington that’s brewery proudly crafting its beers on Vashon Island. They specialize in brews and woodfired pizza, and their products can be found in restaurants, stores, and bars throughout the state.
Although the Tacoma location is only the taproom rather than the brewery itself, we felt that such an inviting venue for one of the best breweries in the South Sound deserves to make this list. A fully stocked bar, pizza kitchen, and plenty of bench and table seating fill the industrial space, while an assortment of eclectic lighting spruce it up.
Beers of every style can be found at Camp Colvos, as can house cocktails and beer to-go. Popular pizza options include the daily Fancy Meat Pizza and the fresh and loaded veggie pizza, and pies can be ordered whole or by the slice.
Camp Colvos is a family-friendly establishment with something for all ages. The dog-friendly outdoor patio is also the perfect gathering spot on a nice day and comes complete with fire tables for warmth in the evenings. They open daily at noon and even offer a subscription service for true beer enthusiasts.
North 47 Brewing Co.
Located across the bay at Browns Point, North 47 Brewing Co. is a small local brewery with a cozy neighborhood vibe and a tasty variety of drinks. The interior is roomy and accommodating, and the family-friendly atmosphere is great for get-togethers.
This Tacoma brewery keeps six signature beers on tap alongside a rotating selection of seasonal and guest ciders. To ensure something for everyone, they also partnered with Cave B Winery to include a red blend, a Sauvignon Blanc, and a dry Rose. And although they don’t offer a food menu, they do carry pretzel snacks and welcome outside food.
North 47 Brewing Co. is open daily with hours starting at 3 pm Monday through Friday, 2 pm on Saturdays, and 1 pm on Sundays.
Black Fleet Brewing Taproom & Kitchen
Black Fleet Brewing Taproom & Kitchen is one of the newest additions to Grit City’s brewery district, though their friendly service and delectable brews make them fit right in. The décor is simple, yet comfortable, and the staff is welcoming and knowledgeable. Drawing inspiration from two women whose fierce and innovative endeavors left lasting marks in history, this Tacoma brewery was built on a desire to innovate and create, and to share that experience with others.
Since its start in 2018, this brewery has looked up to local businesswoman Thea Foss, who established Tacoma’s still thriving Foss waterway. Reaching further back in time, they then found their drive, focus, and commanding name from the French noblewoman turned pirate Jeanne de Clisson, who built her vengeful Black Fleet in retaliation to the murder of her husband. The result of such powerful influences is a carefully crafted menu served in a welcoming, family-friendly environment or packaged to take home.
Their collection of alcoholic brews and house-made sodas is accompanied by a tasty selection of pub-style foods, including burgers, fish & chips, pretzels, wings, and fries. Black Fleet Brewing Taproom & Kitchen is open Fridays and Saturdays from 3 – 8 pm and Sundays from noon – 5 pm. The space can also be rented for private events the rest of the week.
Sig Brewing Company
With craft beer, a contemporary sports bar ambiance, and freshly made pizza, Sig Brewing Company has become a vital addition to the tapestry of Tacoma’s beer culture. Nestled in the historic Brewery District, this family-owned brewpub serves flavorful beers and bites in a family-friendly atmosphere.
The skill and craft of the brewmasters at Sig Brew Company are evident in their unique flavor creations. Favorites like the zesty key lime sour and the subtly sweet cream ale showcase their dedication to crafting inventive, yet approachable brews. Select flavors can be purchased in cans to-go, and they also carry several wines and refreshing slushies for variety.
In addition to their unique collection of beverages, the menu features a range of delectable food offerings. Their brick oven pizzas steal the spotlight and fill the room with tantalizing aromas, while shareable dishes like the deviled eggs or OG Mac are the perfect way to add some variety.
Since being established in 2020, Sig Brewing Company has celebrated Tacoma’s community-driven essence, welcoming guests of all ages until 7 pm and hosting a Trivia night every Wednesday. They open at 3 pm Tuesday through Thursday and at noon Fridays through Sundays. They’re also a cashless establishment, so be sure to come prepared.
Incline Cider House
Since its inception in 2015, Incline Cider House has not only elevated the cider game, but has established itself as a cherished Tacoma brewery. This family-owned and operated taproom is more than just a place to enjoy craft beverages; every cider tells a story and every sip is a celebration of passion and craftsmanship.
At the core of their operation lies a dedication to highlighting local excellence. Using apples sourced from the orchards of Yakima, Washington, their ciders illustrate the region’s wealth and natural abundance. The apples are transformed into a symphony of flavors, including classic fruit notes like prickly pear and marionberry, as well as daring combinations like cucumber jalapeno and maple haze.
Ciders are naturally gluten-free and vegan, and they’re a refreshing alternative to a cold beer. The outdoor patio at Incline Cider House is dog-friendly, and outside food is welcome. Stop by to visit Tuesdays through Sundays, with hours starting at 2 pm on weekdays and at noon on Fridays and weekends.
Narrows Brewing Company
Located on the western shore of Tacoma, Narrows Brewing Company offers great beer with great views. The 15-barrel brewhouse has been serving the community since 2013, and they’re open daily with indoor and outdoor seating.
Named after the Tacoma Narrows Bridge that sits just outside their windows, Narrows Brewing Company wants guests to come, sip, and relax. Their selection of IPAs, stouts, porters, and blonde ales offers a range of bright and bold flavors, while the breathtaking views of Puget Sound make each sip taste even better.
Also on tap are an assortment of ciders and wines to ensure a tasty beverage for every palate. Small bites like crackers and charcuterie boards can be ordered to pair, and outside food is welcome in the establishment. Beer can also be purchased to go, with cans, bottles, growlers, and kegs available.
Narrows Brewing Company opens daily at noon, and the space can be rented for special events. Weekly activities are also a fun way to check out this venue: fill out your stamp card on One-Off Wednesdays, test your wits on Co-Op trivia Thursdays, or take it easy on Music Bingo Fridays.
Fermentation Initiative
Although there are a ton of great breweries in Tacoma, some beer enthusiasts may want to try their hand at home brewing. If that speaks to you, then the Fermentation Initiative has you covered. Selling everything you could need to create your own brews, this home brewing and fermentation supply store knows beer. And for those who prefer to leave it to the pros, their taproom with outdoor seating is also open daily.
The Fermentation Initiative keeps about a dozen beers on tap, as well as multiple refreshing and non-alcoholic hop water options. Enjoy the bright and refreshing flavors of a traditional Belgian saison or savor the deep flavors of a sweet molasses porter. Regardless of your preference, the friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to help while you take in the sweet aroma of freshly brewed beer lingering in the air.
The taproom is open daily from noon to 8 pm. Come to browse the store shelves with a drink in hand, or meet friends to play one of the many games like Cribbage and Connect 4 found throughout the venue. Home brewing supplies can be purchased in-store or online and are available for pickup or delivery.
Locust Cider Tacoma
Since 2015, Locust Cider has been serving Tacoma flavorful brews with compassion and a family spirit. The mission of this family-owned and operated establishment marries the love for craft beverages with a heartfelt dedication to a cause, and this passion has made a mark on the city’s brewery scene. Locust Cider is a shining example of how craft beverages can do more than just quench your thirst – they can nourish communities.
What sets this Tacoma brewery apart is their desire to experiment, with the only constant being the real ingredients used to make each new batch. Tons of great flavors are available to try, making flights the best way to taste everything Locust Cider has to offer. Plus, they make a unique assortment of flatbread pizzas and appetizers that pair perfectly with your favorite ciders.
If great drinks and atmosphere weren’t enough, their impact extends beyond the glass. A portion of all proceeds from can sales goes to the Hydrocephalus Association, a foundation that holds special significance to owners Jason and Rebecca Spears, and to their daughter who lives with the condition. Their Swarm Club further amplifies this commitment by offering loyalty discounts while supporting the cause.
An assortment of retro video games can be found alongside their ever-changing menu, and their canned products can be found in stores and bars throughout the country. Though they are based out of Washington state, they’ve also expanded to have multiple taprooms in Washington, Colorado, and Texas.
The Tacoma location is open daily from 3 pm on Mondays through Thursdays and at noon on Fridays through Sundays.
Odd Otter Brewing Company
Odd Otter Brewing Company has been having fun while serving beer in Tacoma’s historic downtown district for over a decade. As a staple in the city, they can be counted on for a great-tasting beer in a pleasant and welcoming environment. Although the beer menu constantly changes, you can always count on a fresh brew with great service.
The interior reflects the historic setting with its brick walls, arched windows and passageways, and spiral staircase, while flat-screen TVs and neon backlighting add a modern touch to the space. Quirky otter-themed artwork and merchandise decorate the walls, and ample seating options are available throughout.
The rotating beer menu at this Tacoma brewery is organized by potency, with beers ranging from the standard 4-5% ABV to upwards of 11% ABV. Ciders and guest taps are also available, as are cans and growlers to take your favorite brew home. Or, if you’d rather try your hand at creating a delicious brew, the Homebrew kit comes with everything you need.
Odd Otter Brewing Company is open daily until midnight, with hours starting at 3 pm on weekdays and 11 am on weekends. They also host some fun community events, including their monthly Yoga and Beer series as well as karaoke and paint nights.
7 Seas Brewery and Taproom
Since 2016, 7 Seas Brewery and Taproom has been the heartbeat of Tacoma’s resurgent Brewery District. Nestled within the iconic walls of the Historic Heidelberg Brewery, it not only kindles the legacy of its brewing predecessors, but does so as a symbol of innovation and community.
The diverse selection of beers found at 7 Seas Brewery and Taproom comes from a commitment to understanding the interactions between ingredients. Their selection ranges from classic staples to exploratory and seasonal varieties, tantalizing sours, and timeless vintage ales. In addition to a brewery and taproom, the venue is home to their Wild Goose canning line, a barrel room, and a beer lab.
This Tacoma brewery’s focus on both consistency and innovation tells of a passion-driven journey from idea to reality. They were the first Washington craft brewery to can their beers, and they also brought back the original canned beer in the Pacific Northwest: the Heidelberg Beer, established in 1912 and formerly brewed right in the same building.
In addition to alcoholic beverages, the large, family-friendly space also offers coffee, food, and entertainment. Grab a coffee from Naomi Joe or visit the Canteen for some snacks from Camp Colvos. The pinball machines are fun for kids of all ages, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue.
Stop by to visit 7 Seas Brewery and Taproom any day of the week, with hours ranging from 11 am until 10 pm.
E9 Brewing Co. & Taproom
E9 Brewing Co. & Taproom was Tacoma’s first craft brewery, but its roots extend deeper than that. While the current taproom is where the famous brews are now produced, this location is merely an extension of an idea that started back in the 1960s. It grew and evolved alongside the city, blending old with new while continuously serving the city exceptional beer.
The original E9 brewery was located next to the historic 1907 building on Pine St. and 6th Ave., which was once the last horse-drawn firehouse in Tacoma. It was saved and turned into a tavern, and it continues to live out that original dream today as a neighborhood bar and one of the best pizza places in Tacoma.
When plans for a new, state-of-the-art facility were developed with the establishment of Tacoma’s Brewery District, the opportunity to purchase the old Tacoma Radiator & Fender Works building presented itself. Today, the new location is where the brewing magic continues, while the former location continues to serve the same great beer in a family-friendly environment.
Woodfire pizzas stacked high with ingredients are available at both locations to accompany your favorite brews, while the rotating beer menu will have you coming back to try more. The taproom is a 21+ establishment with three separate indoor and outdoor seating areas. It opens at 3 pm Wednesday through Friday and at noon on weekends.
