Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy.
The number of craft breweries in Vancouver, Washington is astounding! Throughout the city there are more than 20 brewers producing local craft beer. Several taprooms are located within a one-mile stretch in the heart of downtown Vancouver, WA.
During our month-long stay we were on a mission to taste-test the best craft beer in Vancouver, WA. So, we sampled our way through the Downtown Vancouver, Washington craft beer scene!
First Brewery in Vancouver, WA
It is no wonder Vancouver, Washington hosts so many brewers. The state and region have a long beer-loving history.
The first brewery in Vancouver – aptly named, Vancouver Brewery – dates to 1856. The brewery, which was located near Fort Vancouver, was popular with soldiers. Through the years, the Vancouver Brewery changed ownership (Henry Weinhard even owned it for three years from 1859 until 1862), switched locations and was renamed a couple of times. It finally closed its doors in 1985.
History of Breweries: Washington
By the mid-1980s, however, craft breweries in Washington State were already taking off. Washington is one of the largest hops producing states in the US, which is why so many incredible hoppy brews are produced in the Pacific Northwest.
Easy access to a range of hops allows local brewers to be creative and imaginative with their beers. Today, there are more than 300 craft breweries in the state. We believe a few of the best breweries in Washington are located in Downtown Vancouver!
Best Breweries in Vancouver, Washington
Our list of breweries in Vancouver, WA includes establishments that are located within the Downtown and Uptown Village districts.
In addition to the breweries, we highlight a couple of the best bars in Vancouver, Washington that are dedicated to local craft beer. We even include a helpful craft beer map of Vancouver, Washington at the end of the article.
Save, Pin or Bookmark this post to find these craft beer bars in Vancouver, Washington!
#1 Trusty Brewing Company
Occupying the historic Columbian newspaper building, Trusty Brewing is one of the best craft breweries in Vancouver, WA. The corner spot is bright and airy, with a few tables outside along the sidewalk, as well.
Established in 2015, Trusty produces a full line up of beers – including the award-winning Corner Window IPA (that is out-of-this-world delicious!). The friendly new owner has a background in German brewing, so it will be interesting to see what new brews will be introduced to the Trusty line up!
Pro Tip: Hungry? Try the Bratwurst Platter!
#2 Loowit Brewing Company
Located in the heart of downtown, adjacent to Esther Short Park, Loowit Brewing Company offers a casual space for beer aficionados and friends to gather. Open since 2012, Loowit creates a wide range of unique beers – a few of which have won international awards. With 20 taps, incredible service and phenomenal fare, Loowit ranks as one of the best brew pubs in Vancouver, WA.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave Loowit without trying a burger! The German-themed Berliner Burger pairs well with any beer and the spicy Urban Cowboy Burger is a simply satisfying, heaping mess of a meal.
#3 Heathen Brewing Feral Public House
Heathen Brewing has a flair for creating experimental brews. Sourcing local products and world intrigue, their line up of brews includes long-standing favorites and creative concoctions. The Heathen Brewing Feral Public House is ranked as one of the best breweries in Vancouver, WA for happy hour, which includes beer specials and pub grub discounts, too. The huge corner patio is the perfect place to sip a pint after a day of sightseeing.
Pro Tip: Also check out their extensive Weekend Brunch menu!
#4 Trap Door Brewing
With a commitment to quality, Trap Door Brewing is a family-run brewery featuring 12 rotating taps of beer made on-site. In addition to the standard brews of the Pacific Northwest, Trap Door produces interesting beers with fruity notes and bold flavors. Situated right on Main Street in Uptown Village, the Vancouver, WA brew pub has seating both indoors and outside on a spacious patio.
Pro Tip: Trap Door does not have a kitchen, however there are two permanent food trucks (serving Thai and Mexican) next to the patio. They also feature items from the very popular Bleu Door Bakery and allow customers to bring in food from other nearby eateries.
#5 Doomsday Brewing Safe House
When it comes to unpretentious brew pubs in Vancouver, Washington, Doomsday Brewing excels. The low key and down to earth Doomsday Brewing Safe House invites beer enthusiasts to enjoy their brews in a casual taproom atmosphere. The beers they produce are innovative and refreshing – like the Agent Orange IPA and the Beatdown Beet Wheat beer – and their tap list is continually rotating.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the expansive patio out back where you can play corn-hole and order from food trucks!
#6 Irrelevant Beer
New to the scene, Irrelevant is bringing more great craft beer to VanWa. We have yet to stop in, but we’d like to hear what you think if you have!
#7 Brothers Cascadia Brewing Evergreen Pub
Featuring a sleek bar and charming patio, Brothers (formerly Mav’s Taphouse and Old Ivy Brewery) is a stylish space offering a huge selection of craft beer in downtown Vancouver, WA. The 20-plus beers on tap are dedicated to their own creations alongside regional brewers.
Pro Tip: We did not eat at the taproom, but their menu looks outstanding (the burger gets rave reviews).
Craft Beer Bars in Vancouver, WA
Fresh beer in Vancouver, WA isn’t only found in brewery taprooms. There are a few craft beer dedicated bars in the city, as well!
#8 Tap Union Freehouse
Regarded as one of the best bars in Vancouver, Washington for craft beer, Tap Union has 20 handles and a huge selection of bottled and canned beer, too. Their wide selection of regional beers can be enjoyed upstairs in the loft or outside on the patio – and everything is offered for take away as well.
Pro Tip: Their toasted sandos are AMAZING!!!
#9 Brickhouse Vancouver, Washington
Brickhouse is another downtown bar serving beer brewed in Vancouver, WA and the surrounding region. The family-friendly establishment offers a full menu, live entertainment and a long list of local beer on tap.
#10 Thirsty Sasquatch
The Thirsty Sasquatch pub in Uptown Village pours an excellent selection of local craft beers alongside hand-crafted cocktails. The space is sublime, with a large and lush patio in the back and an arcade game room inside. As a bonus, they serve up some phenomenal pizza, which you can order by the slice or by the entire pie.
Vancouver Breweries Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Vancouver, WA Brewery Map below.
Use our Vancouver Beer Map to create your own bar-hopping brewery tour!
More Breweries Near Vancouver, WA
In our above list, we focus on the taprooms and brew pubs in Vancouver, Washington that are located in the heart of the city. That said, there are many more breweries near Vancouver, WA.
The Victor 23 Brewery Vancouver, WA is situated north of the city on the east side of I-5 – and is rated as one of the top breweries in Vancouver, WA. Further north is the Mt Tabor Brewing Pub.
RailSide Brewing, Ghost Runners and Brother Ass Brewing are all breweries in North Vancouver. Visitors can also find breweries in East Vancouver – like Fortside Brewing Company and The Heavy Metal Pizza and Brewing Company.
McMenamins Vancouver, a regional brand, has a restaurant and brewery taproom along the Columbia River, which can be reached on foot from downtown.
Looking for more things to do in VanWA? Find our top tips in our article, The Best Things To Do in Vancouver, Washington.
Start planning your trip to the USA! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more vacation advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Does your PNW Vacation also include other adventures? Fantastic! Be sure to check out our complete guides to Montana, Bend, OR, Hiking Glacier NP, Portland, Seattle, Spokane and the Best Oregon Coast Road Trip!
Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.
