Our beautiful neighborhood of Ballard is famous for many things, but perhaps none more so than the quality of its beer. Ballard breweries regularly top international “Best Of” lists, and it may host more licensed breweries per capita than any other place on Earth.
Maybe it’s the smell of humulene—the terpene that gives both Pacific Northwest hops and many strains of cannabis their distinctive aroma—but we love touring Ballard breweries, and we’ve collected a list of our favorites to share with you.
American Mary’s Favorite Ballard Breweries
Lagunitas Brewing Company Tap Room & Beer Sanctuary
Source: Yelp via Ashley N.
1550 NW 49th St
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 784-2230
Lagunitas is a powerhouse in the microbrew universe, and their sprawling—but thankfully unpretentious—tasting room and “Beer Sanctuary” shows it. Daily tours begin at 4:20 pm Wednesday through Friday (hm, is that number a coincidence?) and 2 pm on weekends. Afterward, stay for a fresh hoppy brew. Food options are minimal, but as you already know there are plenty of great restaurants nearby!
Ballard Breweries: Stoup Brewing
Source: Yelp via Robin D.
1108 NW 52nd St
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 457-5524
The dream of two professed “beer geeks,” Stoup’s homey taproom facility glows with a distinctly utilitarian (but welcoming) vibe. Owners and founders Brad Benson and his wife Lara Zahaba keep it simple and always focused on the wide range of top-notch beers, from a sunny and pine-scented American pale ale to historic recreation of a heady, nearly pitch-black Russian imperial stout from the 18th century. There are some “nibbles” on offer in the taproom, and the brewery welcomes an appealing array of food trucks to help out on selected days as well.
Obec Brewing
Source: Yelp via Jake S.
1144 NW 52nd St
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 659-0082
Like us, Obec is big on community spirit, and Ballard has noticed. This 10-barrel craft brewery is one of the most-loved and popular beermakers in the neighborhood; their flagship Czech-style pils is a rich—but light—quaffer spiked up with plenty of tingly hops. Its crispness makes it an amazing food beer too; check the website for the current food truck offering.
Reuben’s Brews – The Brewtap
Source: Yelp via Reuben’s Brews
800 NW 46th St.
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 784-2859
“Intimate” is the word for this family-owned operation, which recently opened this second taproom located right at the brewery (the primary taproom is on 14th Ave NW). More geared towards the beer geek you know you are, the new taproom offers you the chance to check out the heart of this hard-working brewery, known for its wide-ranging IPAs (the Crikey IPA’s tasting notes of “Tropical, Citrus, Juicy, Pine Backbone” sound suspiciously like something else but we can’t quite place it). This pint-size facility doesn’t serve food, but you’re welcome to bring your own, and the nearby (and fun-loving) Giddy Up Burgers delivers right to the taproom.
You can elevate every experience—whether it’s a brewery tour or a night in—with a visit to American Mary! As your local Ballard dispensary, we carry all the amazing Washington cannabis products you’ve come to love. Stop by to see what’s in stock or save time and order online now!