Tacoma doesn’t just do beer—it excels at it, with enough pints, patios, and pub grub to turn even the pickiest drinker into a bona fide fan. Whether you love a wild farmhouse pour, crave inventive pizza with your pale ale, or prefer a cider under string lights, the City of Destiny’s breweries deliver character by the glass. Ready to raise a toast? Here are Tacoma’s top spots sure to quench your thirst (and spark some serious beer envy).
State Street | Pizza, Pours, and People-Watching
You wish your neighborhood had a spot like this—dog-friendly patios where you can soak up sunshine while your pup lounges at your feet and pizza topped with daring surprises like pickled grapes. The draft lineup feels like an ever-changing celebration of the region’s top brewers, rotating often enough that commitment-phobes never get bored. Not in the mood for beer? Natural wines and kombucha await.
Ordering happens at the counter, so don’t expect white-glove service. Inside, exposed concrete floors meet warm wood accents, crafting a cozy-industrial vibe that refuses to take itself too seriously.
Kids, vegans, and gluten-avoiders all fit right in, and spirited debates over whether potato belongs on pizza are practically encouraged (it does). Occasional Bingo nights add a playful twist. When the weather cooperates, the patio shines—and finding parking is half the fun with a few well-kept local secrets. Take a peek at what’s on tap and get inspired.
Pint Defiance Specialty Beers & Taproom | Curated Beer Nerd Heaven
Picture a dimly lit room lined with shelves of exotic bottles bearing names you can barely pronounce. This taproom doubles as a specialty shop where every pour tells a story of malt, hops, and yeast artistry. You’ll find no screens blaring sports here—just genuine conversation about the funky notes in a rare saison.
Behind the bar, knowledgeable staff guide you through a rotating tap list that spans crisp pilsners, hazy IPAs, and local collaborations you won’t find elsewhere. Feel free to bring snacks or order dinner in since outside food is welcome without hesitation. When you’re ready to go, grab a freshly filled growler and keep the party rolling at home.
This unpretentious clubhouse for craft beer devotees fosters community one pint at a time. Every visit invites curiosity and guarantees a new favorite name to add to your vocabulary.
While cider makes occasional appearances, it’s ultimately a beer lover’s paradise. see what’s on tap right now.
Brewers Row | Mexican Food Meets Craft Beer
Start your day with breakfast taquitos or dive into burritos that rival your biggest dreams. This Proctor gem feels like choose-your-own-adventure dining—just add craft beer.
Vegetarian options abound, and the horchata latte is a morning game-changer. The casual counter-service model means no reservations required, so slip into communal seating and maybe snag a peek into someone else’s lively conversation.
Twenty-four rotating taps pour everything from local IPAs to refreshing kombucha. A well-stocked to-go section doubles as a mini bottle shop, perfect for last-minute discoveries.
When you crave a patio with a side of queso and easygoing vibes, this spot never disappoints. Peruse the menu, then figure out which churro pairs best with your hazy IPA.
Acorn Brewing | Best Patio for People (and Pups) Watching
Just over the Tacoma border in Edgewood, this brewery’s reputation has spilled into town for good reason. A sprawling, dog-friendly patio anchored by oversized umbrellas sets the scene for lazy afternoons and lingering evenings. Welcome home vibes spill indoors where families gather around tables like old friends.
Their beer lineup features hops sourced from Yakima and Vancouver Valley, delivering a bold Why Am I Sticky IPA and a crisp Czech pilsner that converts skeptics with each effervescent sip. Sandwiches steal the show with twists like kimchi Reuben and a proper Cuban. When a food truck parks out back, you’ll find everyone snacking, chatting, and never in a hurry.
Board games, trivia night, and even house-made root beer ensure all ages stay entertained. Cross over to the connected cocktail lounge, known as Squirrel’s Den, and you can punctuate your evening with inventive mixed drinks. Plan a visit and taste for yourself.
Yoked Farmhouse & Brewery | The True Farm-to-Pint Escape
Nestled on a 20-acre working farm in Port Orchard, this brewery replaces concrete floors and metal kegs with rolling pastures and baby goats. There’s a child’s play area, curious chickens, and resident dogs eager to make new friends. Every corner encourages you to set aside city life and embrace slow farm living.
The beer list pours classic farmhouse saisons alongside rich porters and a rotating cast of hop-laden IPAs. One standout is the Farmhand IPA, which balances rustic yeast character with a bright tropical hop profile in every sip. Wood-fired pizzas use spent grain from the mash, adding an earthy crunch you’ll brag about to friends.
When you’re ready to unwind further, post up in the on-site Airstream and fall asleep to the sounds of sheep in the next field. Plan your rural beer pilgrimage here.
Peaks & Pints Tacoma Craft Beer Bar, Bottle Shop & Restaurant | The Ultimate Beer Playground
Imagine wandering into a mountain lodge that moonlights as a craft beer sanctuary. That’s the feeling here in Proctor, where reclaimed wood and vintage alpine gear set the scene.
Twenty-eight rotating taps—including nitro for that extra-creamy head—sit alongside over eight hundred bottles and cans, so even the toughest beer snob will find something new. Friendly staff keep the mood light, and debates over the house Proctor Peaks IPA are practically a rite of passage.
Food is no afterthought: the Pesto Pastrami sandwich practically has its own fan club, and the cheese and charcuterie boards could star in any park picnic. For a break from beer, taps also pour local cider, wine, cold brew, and kombucha.
Community events turn strangers into neighbors. You might come for the bottle shop but you’ll stay for the camaraderie. see what’s on tap tonight and join the lodge party.
E9 Brewing Co. & Taproom | For the Wild Ale Adventurer
Tacoma’s first craft brewery opened its doors in 1995 and has been shaping palates ever since. Inside the glass-walled taproom, towering fermentation tanks bubble away as curious patrons debate the subtleties of Brettanomyces. The setting feels part science lab, part beer lover’s playground.
While E9 excels at farmhouse and wild ales aged in barrels or brightened with fresh fruit, they also squeeze out hop-forward IPAs and velvety stouts for more traditional tastes. Step into the fenced courtyard to enjoy sunshine and friendly chatter under strung lights. Lounging dogs and casual events add to the relaxed atmosphere.
Order a wood-fired pizza crowned with lavender chili honey and taste why eccentric toppings can make perfect sense. If you resist grabbing a sweatshirt or hat from the merch rack, you might need a medal. See what’s on tap and snag your new favorite pint.
Cider & Cedar | Northwest Cider Haven
If you’ve long dismissed beer, consider this your redemption at a downtown sanctuary. Gather on one of the salvaged cedar barstools amid emerald green walls and vintage rugs that feel like an autumn evening indoors. Each sip of their ever-changing selection of dry and off-dry Pacific Northwest ciders reveals a new hidden gem.
Pair your glass with a fluffy bao that matches the cider’s finesse. Live music fills the room without resorting to a cousin strumming an old guitar. Staff members speak fondly of pomme versus perry and guide you toward flavors you never knew you loved.
Explore a wall stocked with bottled ciders or linger at the book club table with local enthusiasts. This spot is as much about community as it is about craft. Each visit promises fresh discoveries and a genuine sense of belonging.
Whether you’re hosting friends or seeking a solo escape, this cozy hideaway stands ready. Start your cider pilgrimage here.
Incline Cider House | Creative Cider Playground
Tacoma’s apple-based refreshment scene finds its home here. Sixteen taps showcase everything from tangy Blood Orange to the bold Imperial Hazy Honeycrisp, plus a rotating guest lineup so every visit brings new discoveries.
The interior strikes a sweet spot between modern industrial and welcoming comfort, featuring soaring beams and a heater-equipped, dog-friendly patio. Trivia nights spark friendly competition, but the vibe never turns stuffy.
Bring your own snacks or indulge in the house charcuterie spread. Whether you’re sampling a curated cider flight or settling in for casual conversation, you’ll taste why these award-winning pours have won hearts. Judgment-free sipping guaranteed. Plan your “I’m absolutely a cider person now” visit here.
Odd Otter Brewing Company | Most Whimsical Taproom Vibes
Step into a late-1880s brick building that feels more like your quirky friend’s oversized living room than a brewery. Veteran-owned and brimming with board games, it welcomes kids, dogs, and yes, even karaoke performances.
The beer roster swings from the intense Screeching Otter Double IPA to the cheeky Ottermelon Hefeweizen. Homebrew kits line the shelves if you’re feeling crafty, while exotic pours like coconut chai brown ale keep adventurous palates engaged.
Outside food is not just tolerated but encouraged—bánh mì pairs brilliantly with a pint. Combine that with a laid-back Tacoma spirit, and you’ll see why this place is all about genuine fun, zero pretension, and beer to remember. Prepare to embrace your inner otter right here.
Beer Star | The Ultimate Community Hangout
Imagine a brewery that feels like your living room got an epic upgrade. That’s the vibe here, thanks to 50 ever-rotating taps and a bottle list pushing 400 titles. Picky friends, indecisive uncles, and busy parents all find their corner of bliss—whether it’s in-house crafted ciders or small-batch IPAs from local legends.
Kids can conquer a dedicated play area while adults compare tasting notes over the glowing fire pit out on the patio. Four-legged pals are welcome, too, whether they’re napping beneath tables or enjoying a sunny spot by the fire. When hunger strikes, scout the lineup of food trucks or dive into your own takeout—outside meals are no problem.
The staff treat you like family, guiding you through the latest tap list and helping you secure a growler or six-pack for the road. They get that “something for everyone” doesn’t have to mean “bland for everyone.” Here, variety reigns supreme, but fun remains the constant. See what’s pouring and plan your next group night out.
Camp Colvos Brewing + Pizza Co. | The Pizza-Loving Lager Haven
Picture a spot where industrial charm meets laid-back friendliness, right in the heart of the Brewery Blocks. Exposed brick walls and communal tables set a welcoming tone—you’re here to savor great beer and pizza without any pretense. Eighteen self-pour taps showcase only their creations, so forget about an accidental macrobrew; the Helles, Kölsch, and Vienna Lager are all crafted to impress.
This place is built for everyone. Kids run free, dogs stretch out on the patio, and that friend who “doesn’t like beer” can choose from a full bar or curated wine list. Staff move with sharp efficiency and genuine smiles, making sure your glass and your plate never stay empty.
Then there’s the pizza: New York–style slices fold neatly in your hand, cheese stretching in perfect bliss. It’s everything you crave in one spot—great beer, killer pizza, and an open invitation to pull up a chair and stay awhile. Scope out their tap list and carbs here.
Sig Brewing Company | Creative Beer Playground
Tucked into Tacoma’s Historic Brewing District, this family-run pub has the kind of warm energy that makes you want to pull up a stool and stay awhile. Head brewer Jeff Stokes experiments like a mad scientist—one week you’ll taste a mango-guava IPA that feels like summer in a glass, the next you’ll be chasing a quadruple dry-hopped haze or even tasting an unexpectedly delightful cotton candy sour.
When winter nights roll in, their barrel-aged concoctions bring extra gravity, and year-round wild ales keep local beer geeks on the edge of their seats. Their menu is no afterthought—brick-oven pizzas emerge with perfect crusts, each one ready to match the bold flavors in your glass.
Evenings come alive with trivia nights on the sprawling patio, where families settle in while kids play and parents sip worry-free until around 7 pm. Vegan options abound, outdoor seating beckons, and pretension is nowhere to be found. If you’re still bored here, you might just need to change your outlook. Check out the menu that’s rewriting Tacoma’s brewpub rules.
The Mule Tavern | The Ginger Beer Dive
This place wears its quirks on its sleeve, and that’s exactly why it charms you the moment you walk in. Think pool table meets pinball machines, a jukebox full of curveball tracks, and decor that feels like a thrift-shop enthusiast hit peak inspiration. You’ll even find a stuffed bear head grinning down at you as you dunk a grilled cheese into tomato soup—somehow that soup almost steals the show.
But the real star is the house-made ginger beer. It’s legendary enough to tempt even the staunchest porter lover, and their Moscow Mule might just be the best you’ll find in Tacoma. On the heated patio, winter’s chill is kept at bay, and happy hour prices ensure your wallet makes it home intact.
No need for fancy outfits or overthinking your order. This spot trades snobbery for genuine warmth and swaps stiff formality for easygoing fun. Pull up a seat, let the good times roll, and embrace the delightful, offbeat spirit that makes this local dive feel like home. See what all the bear-headed buzz is about.
Narrows Brewing | The Ultimate Waterfront Hangout
If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping a cold one while imagining yourself at the helm of a yacht, this is your port of call. The taproom’s floor-to-ceiling windows frame Puget Sound in all its glory, and the occasional gull soundtrack only adds to the seafaring mood. Inside, octopus-themed art and décor turn the space into a playful nautical adventure.
Year-round staples like Octo IPA and Galloping Gertie Golden Ale anchor the menu, but the ever-changing tap list—ranging from experimental blends to a surprisingly smooth Peanut Butter Cookie Blonde Ale—keeps regulars on their toes.
When happy hour ends, the fun doesn’t. Board games spill across long tables, trivia nights challenge your wits, and music bingo has everyone singing along. Hungry? Pack your own snacks or call in Boathouse 19 to deliver dockside. Arriving by boat? Claim your free moorage and settle in for breezy, laid-back vibes with killer views and even colder beer. Here’s where you can plot your course.
Powerhouse Restaurant & Brewery | Best Historic Vibe & Family Spot
Timeless brick walls and towering steel beams set the stage for freshly brewed pints poured mere feet from where you sit. The space, once a 1907 power substation, hums with industrial charm and local pride, welcoming everyone from IPA loyalists to sour enthusiasts.
Innovation flows as freely as the taps. One pour might be a classic Northwest Pilsner—crisp, German-style perfection—while the next is a daring milkshake IPA bursting with real strawberries and lactose for a creamy finish.
The kitchen turns out juicy burgers, crispy pizzas, and leafy salads, plus a thoughtful kids’ menu so nobody’s stuck nibbling on dry crackers. Live music and trivia nights keep the energy high, and the staff’s genuine smiles make it clear they’re as happy you’re here as you are. For a no-frills, thoroughly Tacoma brew experience, this is where you’ll want to park yourself. see what they’re pouring this week.
7 Seas Brewing | Best Bet for Group Hangouts
Stepping into this spacious, vaulted room feels like finding a secret hideaway tucked inside Tacoma’s beloved Heidelberg Brewery. High ceilings stretch overhead while large windows let the afternoon sun chase away any hints of a brew-induced haze. You’ll spot pinball machines lining one wall, a polished shuffleboard table at the center, and seating nooks perfect for everything from toddler wrangling to laid-back happy hours with old friends.
The tap list here is refreshingly unpredictable. One minute, you’re savoring a crisply hopped British Pale Ale; the next, you’re diving into a bright red raspberry sour or nursing a Ballz Deep Double IPA. Need a reset? Their in-house roasted coffee delivers a smooth jolt of alertness—ideal after a midday pour that may have been a bit too enthusiastic.
Canteen’s smash burgers are a treat, and their fresh oysters add a touch of fancy to your flight. Outside food is welcome, though they politely ask you to leave outside drinks at home. No dogs, no live bands—just spacious, unpretentious camaraderie and plenty of room to roam. See what’s pouring and plot your visit.
