The Best Breweries in Vancouver, Washington by JetSettingFools.com

The Best Breweries in Vancouver, Washington

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The number of craft breweries in Vancouver, Washington is astounding! Throughout the city there are more than 20 brewers producing local craft beer – and 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…and 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 until 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…and we think a few of the best breweries in Washington are located in Downtown Vancouver.

The Best Vancouver, Washington Craft Breweries by JetSettingFools.com


 

Best Breweries in Vancouver, Washington

Patio Tables, Tap Union Craft Beer Bar, Vancouver, WA

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 may not be producers, but are dedicated to local craft beer. We include a link to a helpful craft beer map of Vancouver, Washington at the end of the article.

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#1 Trusty Brewing Company

Great Day for an Corner Window IPA, Trusty Brewing, Vancouver, WA

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.

Can't go wrong at Trusty Brewing, Vancouver, WA

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

Cold Beers on the patio, Loowit Brewing, Vancouver, WA

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.

Must Eat Vancouver, Berliner Burger, Loowit Brewing, 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

Always popular patio, Heathen Brewing Feral Public House, Vancouver, WA

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

Cool Mural, Great Beer! Trap Door, Vancouver, WA

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.

Patio and foodtrucks, Trap Door, Vancouver, WA

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

Agent Orange, Doomsday Brewing, Vancouver, WA

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.

Outdoor seating, Doomsday Brewing, Vancouver, WA

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the expansive patio out back where you can play corn-hole and order from food trucks!

 

#6 Beerded Brothers Brewing

One of the nano breweries in Vancouver, WA, Beerded Brothers was at the top of our list of brew pubs to visit in the city. Unfortunately they were closed during our visit to VanWa – but we are hoping that they reopen soon!

Where to Find the Best Craft Beer in Vancouver, Washington by JetSettingFools.com


 

Craft Beer Bars in Vancouver, WA

Beer to go, Tap Union Craft Beer Bar, 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!

 

#7 Mav’s Taphouse

Great tasting beers, Ivy Brewing, Vancouver, WA

Featuring a sleek bar and charming patio, Mav’s Taphouse (formerly 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 local and regional brewers. 

Courtyard Seating, Ivy Brewing, Vancouver, WA

Pro Tip: We did not eat at the taproom, but their menu looks outstanding (the burger and mac-and-cheese get rave reviews).

 

#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.

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Vancouver Breweries Map

This map shows the locations of the breweries in downtown Vancouver, WA. Use this link to Google Maps for an online, interactive version of our Vancouver, WA Brewery Map.

Vancouver Washington Breweries Map by JetSettingFools.com

Use our Vancouver Beer Map to create your own bar-hopping brewery tour.


 

More Breweries: 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 – outside of the downtown area.

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, Brothers Cascadia Brewing Vancouver, 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. 

 

Regional Wineries: Vancouver, Washington

The region around Vancouver, WA is not only suitable for growing hops, but for growing vines, too. The fertile land and climate are prime for growing grapes – and several wineries dot the landscape.

However, wine enthusiasts won’t need to go far to get a taste of local wine, there are several winery tasting rooms right in Downtown Vancouver, WA.

Maryhill, Pepper Bridge & Amavi, Brian Carter Cellars and Airfield Estates all have tasting rooms right on Waterfront Park. SuLei Cellars, Koi Pond Cellars and Burnt Bridge Cellars Vancouver, Washington all have locations in Downtown.

Niche Wine Bar and La Bottega Vancouver, Washington are also good places to go to sample regional wine selections.


 

Looking for more things to do in VanWA? Find our top tips in our blog post, The Best Things To Do in Vancouver, Washington.

 

Start planning your trip to Vancouver! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning page for more information and 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, ORHiking Glacier NP, Portland, Seattle, Spokane, Oregon Hiking and the Best Oregon Coast Road Trip!

 

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Best Breweries in Vancouver, Washington by JetSettingFools.com