The Pacific Northwest is famously known for creating some of the best craft beers in the nation, but in the heart of the South Sound, one small town is beginning to dot the map with award winning local breweries. Gig Harbor, with roots in maritime history, has something special brewing for beer lovers. Whether you’re traveling by land or sea, take a day to explore the four fantastic, locally owned and operated breweries and taprooms that this small town has to offer.
7 Seas Brewing Co.
Established nearly a decade ago, 7 Seas pioneered Gig Harbor’s brewing scene, providing its patrons with impressive ales and almost instantly becoming one of the town’s most beloved watering holes. Enjoy a selection of seasonal ales, as well as nine different year-round brews that feature some of their most popular beers like the Rude Parrot Single IPA or Ballz Deep Double IPA. Kick back and relax in 7 Seas’ family-friendly atmosphere where you can peer into the brew house from their taproom while enjoying an excellent microbrew.
Wet Coast Brewing Company
Just up the hill, you’ll find an impressive brewery fueled by passion for the craft. Wet Coast Brewing Company opened its doors in 2015 with a 3.5-barrel brewing system. Their six award winning year-round beers on tap range from smooth cream ales, to aromatic IPAs, to silky milk stouts. Other beers and new releases frequently rotate on their taps, bringing in crowds thirsty to get a taste. Bring in food of your choice, grab a pint or two and enjoy Wet Coast’s inviting all-ages taproom. Their team is gearing up for the busy summer season ahead and is currently in the beginning stages of expanding their taproom to also include an event space in order to accommodate parties, celebrations and more.
Gig Harbor Brewing Company
New to downtown, but not to the brewing scene is Gig Harbor Brewing Company. Originally making their start in Tacoma, the family-owned microbrewery recently opened a taproom along the Gig Harbor waterfront in April, finally able to call its place of origin “home.”
“It’s been wonderful opening up our new Harbor Taproom in downtown,” Max Fosberg of Gig Harbor Brewing tells us. “Gig Harbor has such a supportive and positive community toward small local business. We look forward to sharing a pint with everyone in town.” Indulge in their five flagship beers, which include fan favorites such as their Giggly Blonde Ale and Sturdy Gertie Double IPA, among an array of different rotating brews. The new taproom is for ages 21 and over, showcasing views of the Gig Harbor waterfront and is sure to keep you entertained with three large flat-screen TVs, shuffleboard and their many card and board games available to play. Grab a cold one in the heart of the harbor and enjoy town’s newest tavern.
The Hub Gig Harbor
Cap off your beer-seeking adventure at The Hub Gig Harbor, a sister location to the iconic Harmon Brewing Company based out of Tacoma. Enjoy the Harmon’s five premium flagship ales while relaxing in their outdoor beer garden that resides just off the runway of the Tacoma Narrows Airport. Whether you’re sipping on their smooth Puget Sound Porter or on more of a light bodied beer like the Mt. Takhoma Blonde, pair your pint with a pizza or a pile of Cajun tots while you watch airplanes come and go.
Enjoy all that The Maritime City has to offer with a microbrew in hand. This May, local beer lovers will celebrate the 7th Annual Gig Harbor Beer Festival fundraiser hosted by the Gig Harbor Kiwanis. Choose from 50 craft beers on tap, enjoy live music by three local bands, and hangout with more than 25 different brewers. Join in the fun on May 19 and be sure to get your tickets ahead of time before they sell out! You can expect to find 7 Seas, Wet Coast, Gig Harbor Brewing and The Hub all participating in the annual festival.
