Something’s Brewing
Downtown Seattle is now a micro-hub for taprooms.
By Rachel Gallaher December 9, 2025
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2025 issue of Seattle magazine.
When Reuben’s Brews opened its newest location this summer—front-and-center on First Avenue—it joined a small but mighty cohort of taprooms taking up real estate downtown. With the continued influx of people to the neighborhood (tourists over the summer, workers returning to offices, and locals coming to check out the renovated waterfront), these breweries and cideries are likely to attract the post-work, pre-game, and weekend-hangout crowds.
“Seattle and beer go hand in hand,” says Daniel Olson, executive director of Washington Brewers Guild.“The city has one of the most vibrant craft beer cultures in the country; we have more than 60 breweries within the city limits.” At least ten of those are clustered between Seneca Street and Broad Street, including established names like Old Stove and Cloudburst, as well as newer arrivals such as Here Today Brewery & Kitchen, and two locations of Locust Cider.
Over the summer, Urban Family Brewing announced that it would open a new location on the waterfront in 2026 with 4,500 square feet of patio space. “Most people know about the Ballard brewing district, but each neighborhood in Seattle has its own little cluster of breweries and taprooms, so it’s easy to spend an afternoon walking from one to another (responsibly, of course),” Olson says. And even though sipping on a brew is for those 21 and over, unlike cocktail bars, many taprooms serve food and allow kids (and sometimes dogs!), so visiting one, especially when the weather is nice, is an activity the whole family can enjoy. “It’s a community-focused industry—taprooms aren’t just places to grab a pint, they’re neighborhood gathering spots hosting events, fundraisers, and family get-togethers. I believe it’s a huge part of our identity as a city.”
600,000+
Average number of people downtown per day over the summer.
10
Number of breweries and cideries in downtown/Belltown.
444
Number of craft breweries in Washington state.
528,013
Barrels of craft beer produced in Washington per year.
2.8
Gallons of craft beer produced per adult (21+) in Washington state each year.
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