Best brewery: 7 Seas Brewing

Winner in 2017's Best of Tacoma

By Anthony Frohlich on August 16, 2017

It is undeniable that microbreweries have increased in both popularity and ubiquity in recent years. In fact, the Pacific Northwest boasts hundreds of microbreweries throughout the region -- and Tacoma's microbrewery lineup is only on the rise. But in a competitive field, one outstanding brewery worth checking out has been voted Tacoma's Best Brewery -- 7 Seas Brewing. Located in a historic warehouse in downtown Tacoma, 7 Seas Brewing's taproom offers a vast array of tasty craft beer options on draught for folks who love all things beer.

Tacoma's 7 Seas Brewing is passionate about the products they produce for their customers and dedicated to creating a welcoming environment in their taprooms. Their first brewery and taproom is found in Gig Harbor. Last year, they expanded their business to Tacoma, located kitty-corner from the University of Washington-Tacoma campus. Their beer menu is bound to have something to suit your beer-tooth. There are beers that are available throughout the year that have clever and unique names including 253 Pilsner, Life Jacket Citrus IPA, and Ballz Deep IPA. Beyond 7 Seas Brewing's witty naming convention, the beers have a range of delicious tastes from aromatic stouts to hoppy pale ales. Also, 7 Seas Brewing proudly features seasonal brews like Summer and Autumn ales.

On top of it all, the location of 7 Seas Brewing Tacoma is pretty cool too as it was previously the site of Heidelberg Brewing. With such a rich legacy of suds-slinging in the building, it seems only fitting that 7 Seas Brewing should occupy its current space. To access the taproom and retail space, ascend the staircase to a large open room. Once there, you can order your drinks at the bar or patronize any of the other retailers found inside. Currently, there is an artisan sandwich shop called 3UILT and a coffee roaster Valhalla Coffee Company that share the greater retail space with the bar. You can also experience aspects of the brewing process as the beer stills are in plain view.

The beer selection is found handwritten in chalk on sandwich boards over the bar, or you can order off the print menus. All of 7 Seas staff are helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable about 7 Seas Brewing and its products. Since 7 Seas Brewing is also an on-site brewery, you can leave your taproom experience with some 7 Seas beer to take home with you. They offer bottles, and cans and growlers. Oh, my!

7 Seas Brewing, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily, 2101 Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, 7seasbrewing.com